Adrian "Ace" Buchan

Following the release of the G7 Heads of State Communique, Director of Campaign for Nature Brian O'Donnell has released this statement congratulating leaders on their re-commitment to deliver $20bn per year to developing countries to protect the world's remaining biodiversity. “We commend the G7 leaders for reaffirming their commitment to deliver $20bn per year to developing countries to protect the world's remaining biodiversity. Elevating this vitally important issue to a leader-level commitment provides hope that these countries will keep their promise by the 2025 deadline. This urgent investment is a first step in recognizing and promoting the stewardship of Global South nations of the natural systems and ecosystem services that we all, as a global community, depend on.” https://lnkd.in/ewx8EBMf #biodiversity #environment #naturefinance #30x30

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The billion-dollar battle to wipe out a deadly pest that is threatening Australia's outdoor lifestyle https://ab.co/3SZ1IT1 There will be a significant effort to eradicate the red imported fire ant from Queensland, with an extended program budget of approximately a billion dollars aiming for completion by 2032. The pest has spread within Queensland and into northern New South Wales, specifically Murwillumbah and Wardell, posing a threat to outdoor activities and lifestyles due to their aggressive nature and painful stings. The expansion of red imported fire ants into New South Wales (NSW) has significant implications for Landcare in the region, necessitating a multifaceted response to mitigate impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Key implications include the need for enhanced community awareness and education on fire ant identification and management, collaboration with national and state eradication efforts to contain and manage the ant spread, adaptation of land management practices to prevent further dispersion, and increased monitoring and research to develop effective local eradication strategies. These efforts will be needed to safeguard local ecosystems and community well-being against the invasive and destructive nature of red imported fire ants. Landcare NSW NSW Government NSW Department of Primary Industries

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The billion-dollar battle to wipe out a deadly pest that is threatening Australia's outdoor lifestyle https://ab.co/3SZ1IT1 There will be a significant effort to eradicate the red imported fire ant from Queensland, with an extended program budget of approximately a billion dollars aiming for completion by 2032. The pest has spread within Queensland and into northern New South Wales, specifically Murwillumbah and Wardell, posing a threat to outdoor activities and lifestyles due to their aggressive nature and painful stings. The expansion of red imported fire ants into New South Wales (NSW) has significant implications for Landcare in the region, necessitating a multifaceted response to mitigate impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Key implications include the need for enhanced community awareness and education on fire ant identification and management, collaboration with national and state eradication efforts to contain and manage the ant spread, adaptation of land management practices to prevent further dispersion, and increased monitoring and research to develop effective local eradication strategies. These efforts will be needed to safeguard local ecosystems and community well-being against the invasive and destructive nature of red imported fire ants. Landcare NSW NSW Government NSW Department of Primary Industries

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Did you know that every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters the ocean? New findings are ringing the alarm bells louder than ever: CSIRO's latest research suggests that approximately 11 million tonnes of plastic are sitting on the ocean floor. This submerged waste, ranging from nets to plastic bags, is integrating into the ocean sediment, becoming a near-permanent marine fixture. The study, conducted by CSIRO and the University of Toronto, provides the first estimate of how much our ocean floors have become plastic reservoirs, with large quantities breaking down and fusing with the seabed. The role of rivers as pathways for this plastic into our oceans is critical. I directly address this by intercepting plastics before they reach the sea. The collected river waste gets sorted for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. Instead of sending low-value plastic waste to landfills where it could potentially harm the environment, we recycle it using either mechanical or chemical methods. This process ensures that the plastic waste is repurposed and does not spill back into the environment. The sale of recycled products plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable resources. This supports developing communities and improving their local economies and environment. In this fight against the plastic tide, every action counts. By stopping river plastic, we can significantly reduce the accumulation on the ocean floor. Together with investors and companies committed to making a difference, we can protect our marine wildlife and ecosystems for generations to come. What other measures do you think businesses should take to combat plastic pollution?  #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #OceanPollution

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Fancy saving threatened Australian plant species right on your doorstep? Click through for a great project. Simple, smart and impactful. https://lnkd.in/gPdBavzv

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Last week's announcement by Minister Plibersek included a new Environment Information Australia, designed to give businesses easier access to the latest environmental data, release State of the Environment reports, and report on progress on national environmental goals. An important task that was missing from this list is tracking progress on the implementation of recovery and threat abatement plans, so we can see whether Australia is effectively reversing the extinction crisis (hint - we're not). For our native species and ecological communities to have any chance of recovery, we also need broader environmental law reform which strengthens conservation planning. Here are some of the key things we are looking for. https://lnkd.in/g2wf-WEH

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The European Union - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will add $1.4b to New Zealand's GDP annually, and sets a new standard globally for the strength of its environmental provisions and enforceability. A key undertaking in the FTA provides that the parties must not weaken or reduce their environmental laws to encourage trade or investment. Yet, from the early days of this term - *and in their own words* - the Government has repeatedly stated they will "slash red and green tape" and reduce environmental protections in order to drive export-led growth. As a whole, I'd argue that the Government's anti-environment policy agenda quite obviously violates a number of general and specific provisions in this FTA. However, what's really remarkable to me is the plainness with which Senior Ministers continue to state their intent to ride roughshod over the terms of this (and other) significant FTAs by sacrificing the limited environmental protections we have in place to boost exports. Do they really think the rest of the world isn't taking notice? I spoke to Newshub about WWF-New Zealand's concerns on the day the FTA came into force 👇 https://lnkd.in/g3bK8syX

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Rewilding hits Australia! Quolls are back after 50 years of extinction. The eastern quoll, once extinct on mainland Australia for over 50 years, has been successfully reintroduced thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rewilding Australia, and several other partners. Quolls were wiped out due to disease and predators. Their return helps restore ecological balance as they play a crucial role in controlling insect and small mammal populations. Initiative: Led by Rewilding Australia, this initiative has been in the making for over 15 years, with key releases beginning in 2018. Methodology: Quolls were translocated from Tasmania and equipped with GPS collars for monitoring. The project is heavily funded by the government, NGOs, and private donors. Achievements: The quolls have started breeding and adapting well in Booderee National Park, despite challenges like bushfires and low densities of predators. Future Steps: Continuous monitoring and management are planned to ensure the quolls thrive and to potentially replicate this success in other regions. Let us keep rewilding and bring back Earth vital signs place by place. #NatureRestoration #EarthRegeneration #ConservationSuccess #EasternQuoll #WildlifeReintroduction #Biodiversity #EcologicalRestoration #AustraliaWildlife #ConservationEfforts #SustainableEcosystems #Rewilding #BoodereeNationalPark #EnvironmentalStewardship #WildlifeProtection

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How do you convey complex information to stakeholders and decision makers? I loved this recent report which evaluated different policy interventions for how to shift New Zealand's population to an optimal diet that meets the nutritional needs of while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at minimal additional cost to individuals; and a version of this diet that is more culturally acceptable to Māori. It included the key impacts and cost benefit analysis in a really simple and easy to understand visual allowing the reader to get instantly up to speed with the key concepts and the impacts. Whilst not every subject would lend itself to a cartoon style the way the impact information was laid out would be useful for any project. https://lnkd.in/gwwTZGew #behaviourchange #effectivecommunication

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As an avid caravaner and camper, these facts did not surprise me: - the Australian caravan and camping industry adds $27b in economic impact annually. - 40% of Australians stayed in a caravan holiday park, commercial camping ground or national park in 2022. - One in every 14 households owns a recreational vehicle. - 9 in 10 campers believe camping makes you happier. It's fantastic to be launching our partnership with this fun industry that impacts most Australians. The great team at Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) has a strong vision to support their industry in reducing climate impact. And we've seen a great response from CIAA businesses - of all shapes and sizes - many of which are already well underway with improvements. #EmissionsReduction #ClimateReporting #ClimateAction

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There's so much potential for the primary sector to tackle their scope 3 from behind the farm gate. Sitting inside these supply chains are native forests with so much potential to play a role - they just need to be brought into the game. It's a chance for a real win-win for farmers and processors. #carbonremovals #carbonremoval #nativeforests #agriculture #primarysector

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Transformation is Feasible…

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Earlier this week, I attended a meet-up of the Outdoor Diversity Alliance, hosted by KEEN in Portland, Oregon and led by Teresa Baker and Josie Norris. ODA is a group of companies (Cotopaxi, Smartwool, BOA®, NEMO Equipment, Peak Design and many more) working together to advance equity in the outdoor industry. I spent a lot of time listening, especially to our community advisors Lestarya Tuadi Molloy from Fridie Outdoors and Pamela Slaughter from People of Color Outdoors. As we continue leaning into this work at Protect Our Winters, here are some learnings from our session: Listen to paid community-based advisors before, during, and after every implementation. Even with positive intent, this simple step is often missed. Partner with organizations at various altitudes to repeat best practices. These aren’t trade secrets– copy, share, and amplify. Momentum matters. Get C-Suite and ideally CEO direct sponsorship and prioritization of this work. Ask about it. Reference it. Make it an OKR (Objective and Key Result), even if it’s hard to measure. This can be challenging when leadership changes. Like in climate, this work is imperfect and often requires reflection and repair. In the words of our facilitator Marcelo Bonta of J.E.D.I. Heart, “breakthroughs come after breakdowns.” I like this advice more broadly too. If you are a brand in the $1T outdoor industry, the ODA is a membership-based organization. Send me a message and I’ll help you join us! Beyond the ODA, I also want to recognize and recommend Leander Lacy who has helped POW tremendously in our journey.

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I am getting pretty excited by the potential of organisations joining us in Nelson this year to explore the future of food at our annual XLabs NZ 3-day design sprint. We are creating the space for teams from leading food organisations to explore circular innovations for carbon removals, low-impact packaging, climate-resilient ocean farming and nature-positive cultural development. Creating a future of food across Aotearoa, New Zealand that is abundant, resilient and circular by design. That is why I am pleased to announce that we have an incredible location for this mahi - The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited The Nelson Research Centre is home to 50 Plant & Food Research staff undertaking science to support the seafood sector, including breeding finfish for aquaculture, building new mobile ocean-based aquaculture systems, and developing new ingredients and materials from seafood. The Nelson Research Centre has also recently opened Aotearoa New Zealand's largest flume tank, allowing scientists to test and develop new technologies in simulated marine environments. “We’re excited to be able to host this year’s XLabs Live design sprint and see first-hand the innovative thinking that can help solve big challenges for the New Zealand food sector.” - Plant and Food Research Many thanks to Mark Piper, Helen Palmer, the team at Plant and Food, Uno Loco and our very own Antonia Estall for helping make this a reality. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g28FVWgb Our hope is this provides the inspiration for our teams to ideate, innovate, and prototype innovative solutions for the Future of Food across Aotearoa, New Zealand. It's not too late to join us! We have one spot left for a team of six people to join us. Register a team from your business, industry or region today to work on a challenge facing your business and explore innovative solutions in a design sprint format alongside experts.: Join us by applying today - https://lnkd.in/gibutRkn or better yet just PM me to make sure you're in! #XLabs2024 #FutureOfFood #Innovation #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #FoodTech #PlantAndFoodResearch

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New parasite threat detected in NSW bees as the industry continues to deal with varroa mite https://ab.co/4bWgLp0 The detection of braula fly in New South Wales has raised concerns within the beekeeping industry, particularly for those who sell honeycomb. This pest, found at an apiary near Tamworth, resembles the varroa mite but is less harmful and only has six legs. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has decided not to eradicate the braula fly, considering it a minor pest with no significant economic or scientific reason for eradication. The larvae of the braula fly damage honeycomb, affecting its appearance and commercial value. While it does not directly harm bees, it competes for food resources, potentially weakening hives. Beekeepers in NSW and other states where the pest is now established are advised on management strategies, such as freezing honeycomb to kill larvae. The issue has also prompted discussions on the efficiency of biosecurity measures in the beekeeping industry.

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New parasite threat detected in NSW bees as the industry continues to deal with varroa mite https://ab.co/4bWgLp0 The detection of braula fly in New South Wales has raised concerns within the beekeeping industry, particularly for those who sell honeycomb. This pest, found at an apiary near Tamworth, resembles the varroa mite but is less harmful and only has six legs. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has decided not to eradicate the braula fly, considering it a minor pest with no significant economic or scientific reason for eradication. The larvae of the braula fly damage honeycomb, affecting its appearance and commercial value. While it does not directly harm bees, it competes for food resources, potentially weakening hives. Beekeepers in NSW and other states where the pest is now established are advised on management strategies, such as freezing honeycomb to kill larvae. The issue has also prompted discussions on the efficiency of biosecurity measures in the beekeeping industry.

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Obviously yesterday's Clean Water Alliance story focussed on the human impacts on sport and recreation but we don't live in the water. It's important to remember there are impacts on nature too and that we have a Bio-diversity crisis in tandem with a Climate breakdown. Here's a response to the story from Wildfish: Suffocating in chemicals and sewage: wild fish don’t have a choice. WildFish is delighted that water-based sports are getting behind the clean water campaign with the introduction of the Clean Water Alliance but let’s not forget that rivers are first and foremost a natural environment for wild fish and other water-dependent wildlife. UK fish populations are facing their biggest challenge yet, trapped in waters that are devastated by pollution and unable to move freely within their habitat, thanks to barriers that inhibit their migration. Fresh water species are declining faster than any other and the remarkable Atlantic salmon is now endangered in UK waters. WildFish campaigns to reverse the decline of wild fish populations and their habitats. Calling for urgent change to how wild fish and their habitats are protected by enforcing the regulations that should prevent harm from pollution and removing barriers that inhibit their migration, WildFish strives for fresh and coastal waters that are clean, healthy and full of life. Nick Measham, chief executive at WildFish, said: “Action from water-based sports to clean up UK rivers is welcome but we mustn't lose sight of the reason why our rivers, lakes and streams need to be restored and protected. Recreational river users enter the water through choice. For our wild fish populations there is no escape - as the state of rivers continues to decline they remain trapped in waters that are unfit for anything or anyone”.

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🌿 Integrating Nature-based Solutions: A Strategic Blueprint for Sustainable Business Practices At BCSD Australia, we want to share insights from the newly released Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Blueprint by WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development. This comprehensive guide provides businesses across all sectors with a structured approach to harnessing NbS for environmental, social, and economic benefits. 🔗 Explore the Nature-based Solutions Blueprint: https://lnkd.in/d4YmR4Vi The Blueprint outlines a pragmatic six-stage process, from identifying opportunities to balanced decision-making, emphasising the critical role NbS play in addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting equity. Key Takeaways: - Strategic Alignment: NbS can significantly contribute to your sustainability goals. - Economic Impact: Understand the cost-benefit dynamics and long-term value of implementing NbS. - Innovation in Action: The complementary NbS Map tool categorizes activities by value, offering tailored solutions for diverse business needs. We believe that integrating NbS into corporate strategies not only addresses urgent environmental challenges but also opens up new avenues for innovation and competitive advantage. We'd love to hear your thoughts: - How is your organisation currently leveraging NbS? - What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in adopting these solutions? BCSD Australia Members will dive deeper into this pivotal resource at our upcoming June Meeting of the Nature Action WorkGroup. Join the conversation and unlock the transformative potential of NbS! Rayne van den Berg Angela Hawdon

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Well worth catching. You get our legal star Natalie Bryce covering #ConservationCovenants as well as some of our approach as a Responsible Body. We're interested in all aspects of how the covenants can help #NatureRecovery so have a watch and get in touch if you want to discuss - link in bio. #bng #nutrientneutrality #landscaperecovery #heritage #NaturalFloodManagement

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